The Tragic Story of Janett Christman: An Unsolved Mystery

The case of Janett Christman remains one of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in American history. A young girl with a bright future, her life was cut short in a brutal crime that has puzzled investigators for decades. Her story is both heartbreaking and haunting, leaving behind unanswered questions and lingering suspicions.

Who Was Janett Christman?

Janett Christman was a 13-year-old girl from Columbia, Missouri. She was known for her responsible nature, intelligence, and love for music. On the night of March 18, 1950, she was babysitting for a local family when tragedy struck.

The Night of the Crime

That night, Janett was babysitting 3-year-old Gregory Romack at his home while his parents attended a social gathering. Around 10:30 p.m., a chilling phone call was made to the Columbia police. A young girl’s voice screamed, “Come quick!” before the line was cut. Unfortunately, the police were unable to trace the call.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

When the Romacks returned home around 1:30 a.m., they found their house in complete chaos. Janett’s lifeless body lay on the living room floor, with signs of a violent struggle. She had been strangled with an iron cord and suffered blunt force trauma. The crime scene suggested she fought desperately against her attacker. Strangely, the 3-year-old child she was babysitting was unharmed and still asleep.

Investigation and Theories

No Signs of Forced Entry

One of the most baffling aspects of the case was that there were no clear signs of forced entry. This led investigators to believe that Janett may have known her attacker, or that the person had found an unlocked door or window.

A Similar Crime?

Just years earlier, another young girl, Mary Lou Jenkins, was murdered under similar circumstances in Columbia. Some people speculated that the same person might have been responsible for both crimes.

A Prime Suspect: Robert Mueller

Robert Mueller, a friend of the Romack family, quickly became a suspect. He had an interest in Janett and had reportedly made inappropriate comments about young girls. On the night of the crime, he had offered to walk the Romacks home but later claimed to have stayed at home that evening. Despite suspicions, there was never enough evidence to charge him.

Lack of Evidence and a Cold Case

Over the years, the case went cold due to a lack of forensic evidence and reliable witnesses. DNA analysis was not available in the 1950s, making it difficult to confirm the attacker’s identity.

Why Janett Christman’s Case Remains Unsolved

• No eyewitnesses – No one saw the attack happen.
• Lack of technology – Modern forensic techniques were not available at the time.
• Weak evidence – Investigators had suspicions but no solid proof.
• Potential police errors – Some believe early investigative mistakes hindered the case.

Impact of the Case

Janett Christman’s murder left a lasting impact on Columbia, Missouri. Parents became more cautious about letting their children babysit, and local authorities faced pressure to improve investigative methods. Her story also influenced urban legends and horror movies, particularly the famous “babysitter and the man upstairs” trope.

Conclusion

Over 70 years later, the murder of Janett Christman remains a haunting mystery. While many believe they know who committed the crime, a lack of evidence has kept the case from being officially solved. Janett’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in unexpected places and the importance of justice, even in long-forgotten cases.

FAQs

Was anyone ever arrested for Janett Christman’s murder?
No, despite strong suspicions, no one was ever formally charged or convicted.

Did the police ever reopen the case?
There have been efforts to re-examine the case, but without modern evidence, it remains unsolved.

Was the crime connected to other murders?
Some believe Janett’s case is linked to the murder of Mary Lou Jenkins, but there is no conclusive proof.

What urban legends were inspired by this case?
Her case is believed to have influenced horror stories like “The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs.”

Can modern technology solve the case?
Potentially, if any preserved evidence contains DNA, modern forensic analysis could provide new leads.